A RE-ENERGISED Eddie Betts has adopted an improved mindset and is ticking every box with his recovery to prolong his electrifying career.
The 32-year-old Adelaide star was down on form last year, a season in which he kicked 29 goals – his lowest return since joining the Crows in 2014.
Hamstring and back injuries forced him to miss four games, but Betts is motivated to get back to his best.
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"I was disappointed in the season I had last year, I didn't want to go out and play like that," Betts said.
"This year, I've just come back and thought, 'whatever happens, happens'.
"Just that free mindset and go out and have a good pre-season.
"Train well, train the way you play and get back to enjoying playing footy with your teammates and the footy club."
Betts said that apart from the injuries, he had worked on maintaining a positive approach during games.
"Things might not go your way," he said.
"The ball might bounce here instead of there.
"I'll just have to put that season behind me now and move forward and hopefully I can kick a few snags this year."
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Betts has been extremely durable during his career, playing at least 17 games in every season dating back to when he made his debut in 2005 with Carlton.
But he admitted he needed to do more to prevent the wear and tear on his body after taxing training sessions and games.
"It's more so doing the recovery side of it – getting the treatment, seeing the physios and getting on top of it, and if you feel a little niggle in your hamstrings or back, make sure you're on top of it," he said.
"To be honest, I wasn't that diligent with it last year.
"That little back issue, that tends to run down your hamstrings.
"This year, I've been on top of it."
Betts has been a revelation for the Crows since leaving the Blues as a free agent at the end of 2013.
He's kicked a total of 563 goals in his 295-game career and is on track to reach the 300-game milestone in the Crows' round five encounter with Gold Coast at Adelaide Oval.
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Betts hoped to fulfill the final two years of his contract with the Crows until the end of 2020.
"I'd like to play until my body can tell me I can't play anymore," Betts said.
"I love AFL, I've played it since I was a junior, now 15 years at the top level and I've got my two years left on my contract.
"Until my body says I can't play anymore, until the club gets rid of me, I'll continue to play."
